Hogs Prepare for North Texas As Southeastern C

BY ANDRES FOCIL

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas honed its game plan on Wednesday afternoon for a matchup with North Texas after learning earlier in the day that the Southeastern Conference will play games as scheduled this weekend.

School presidents and athletic directors from all 12 league schools met by teleconference on Wednesday to discuss the option of calling off this weekend’s games in light of Tuesday’s terrorist attacks. In the end, the league decided to continue with all scheduled athletic events this weekend including Arkansas’ non-conference battle with the Mean Green. In addition, the conference will donate $1 million from gate receipts and television fees to funds assisting the victims of the tragic events.

“I was glad that we are going to continue on and keep going,” Nutt said. “We are going to try to stay as business as usual, although our hearts and our feelings go out to a lot people right now. That is a tough time. They felt like this was the best thing so we are going to go with what they say. As long as you keep things going and as consistent as they can to let people know that you aren’t going to stop the country in any way.”

With a decision made on Saturday night’s status, Nutt once again focused on a hard-nosed North Texas squad. The Mean Green are 0-2, but have turned in gritty performances in losses at TCU and at defending national champion Oklahoma.

“We had a good day again today,” Nutt said. “We still need another good day tomorrow. This is a scrappy bunch. Kenoy Kennedy’s brother plays for North Texas. He is the starting nose guard. You know how excited he is going to be. He is about 325 pounds and can run around. These guys play real hard. They have been to a lot of places. They have been to Norman, Okla., they are going to play Texas Tech. They are used to playing big people so they won’t be fazed by a big stadium. We have to be ready to go.”

As far as Arkansas’ much publicized woes on the offensive side of the ball, Nutt says this weeks’ regimen included a return to basics and more full contact work.

“We got back strong fundamentals and basics,” Nutt said. “We are just trying to cover every base. We got a lot tougher and physical. We had middle drill all week, which is something that we haven’t done in a while. They have responded well.”

Arkansas and North Texas will battle at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The game will not be televised.